The majority of the day yesterday was spent organizing. I know that isn’t much fun to write about but so many times I am asked how I stay so organized and I want you all to understand that it doesn’t just ‘happen’ and it takes a lot of time to keep things in order. While some are able to work and function even when things are in disarray, I find that it stifles me and I cannot be very productive.

I finished doing all the number crunching for my taxes and feel a huge relief that the task is behind me. As I said yesterday, there were no surprises, but having the task looming over me had really began to bug me and I knew that I just had to stop in my tracks and designate the time necessary to get things in order. I find that it really puts a halt to my creative side though and it is impossible for me to concentrate on being creative and have that hanging over my head. As the time to leave for our trip approaches, I find that I want to tie up as many loose ends as possible before leaving. I want to be able to go with a clear head so that I can enjoy the process of teaching our class and seeing our friends and fellow woodworkers again.

Today I will be finishing up that last pattern packet that I showed you all yesterday. I was able to finish the step-by-step photos for it yesterday and I only have to finish the writing part today. In the mean time Keith is preparing the site for the update so we should have that done very soon. Then I can move ahead.

I have two new projects as well as an article planned to make for the next issue of Creative Woodworks and Crafts magazine. That is the August issue – the one right before the holiday issue – and the projects will be appropriate for the late summer. I have been looking at the embossed paper all week and dying to experiment with it for some of the things that I plan to create, but I have had to be responsible and do these other things first. Lots of times people remark how lucky I am to be able to be a designer for a living, as I get to ‘play’ all the time. But as you all see, owning a business holds a variety of responsibilities and the time we actually get to ‘create’ is much less than most imagine. I can’t wait to dive in and get going on those.

So with that said, I once again am going to keep things short here. Hopefully in the next few days I will have some fun new things to share with you here. While I don’t feel that blogs such as today’s are very exciting, it is nice to touch base with you all each morning and say ‘hi’.

It is mid-week already, and time is passing quickly as usual. We had about 3-4 inches of snow yesterday morning and it was gone by early evening. It seems that winter is going out kicking and screaming this year. This morning is sunny and calm, although we hear there will be more snow coming our way. Even I am thinking that this winter is getting long. I hope it is nice by the time we leave for our trip at the end of the month. We shall see . . .

4 comments so far

Sheila, Glad the burden of computing taxes is behind you and you can progress on reading for the classes. Keith, That butterfly boarded plaque is SUPERB! You really are talented with the scroll saw. Lots of effort and patience have contributed to your professionalism. Russell Pitner

Thank you so much Russell. I also think Keith is a really talented partner and I am very fortunate to be working with him. He certainly adds to the company. Even though it is “Sheila Landry Designs”, he is a huge part of things.

Good morning Sheila and a beautiful one it is too! Taxes are definitely the less exciting part of business but a good feeling when it’s all put to bed.Our winter is pretty well over and we are into the double digit temperatures. Lots of workshop time! I’ll send photos in the next few days of my interpretations of Keith’s pendants that I have been working on.

Hi, Anna! How are you think morning. I am so happy to hear you are on your way to spring. Here too we seem to be through the worst of winter. I am really looking forward to getting out more and getting some fresh air. I can’t wait to see your pendants! :)